The Gift That Keeps On Giving

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

I have the privilege of anticipating the Holidays every year. The season brings more opportunities than ever to show our friends and families how and why we care about them. 

If 2024 has taught me anything, it has emphasized how crucial every last bit of human connection is for ourselves and those within our communities. There are constant reminders of the injustice and hardship within our world in one’s personal life, on social media, or in the news. More than any, this time of the year makes it easier to slow down and focus on what we are constantly reminding ourselves is most important in modern society - each other. 

So far in 2024, IST's Gives Back program has accomplished the following: 

• During Q1, we collected over two thousand pounds of fresh food for communities in various cities through GiveHealthy.   
• During Q2, our annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fundraiser raised $21,574, which will be used to find a cure for CF. In the 15 years IST has campaigned for the CFF, we've raised almost $300,000! 
• Most recently, during Q3, we held a School Supplies Drive at Corporate, collecting seven boxes of supplies for Atlanta foster children. 

 The Giving Season

This year's final community outreach initiative, our annual toy drive, is a personal favorite of mine. It's infinitely more satisfying knowing that our efforts will support MUST Ministries and their annual Holiday Toy Shop. Currently, over 80% of the temporarily displaced population in Atlanta are women and children. As a longtime resident of Atlanta, MUST's Mission is so personal to myself and my family. 

All contributions gathered at Corporate or purchased online will benefit the MUST Holiday Toy Shop. This initiative offers families facing financial challenges the opportunity to bypass the costs associated with holiday gifting while still choosing personalized presents for their children, creating memorable moments for their families. 

The MUST Toy Shop supports 6,000 children each holiday season and almost 20,000 children yearly. 

Shoppers have many options, including small and large toys, books, school supplies, essential clothing, stocking stuffers, and comforting items like blankets and stuffed animals. The Toy Shop transforms the holidays into a joyous occasion for families, relieving them from financial strain and allowing them to focus on celebrating with loved ones. 

IST's Marketing and Events teams again have the excellent opportunity to volunteer at this year's Toy Shop, assisting shoppers in locating the items on their wish lists. This experience allows our teams to contribute to the remarkable efforts of MUST Ministries. 

IST's Relationship with MUST: The Gift that Keeps Giving 

Our partnership with MUST Ministries has been a cornerstone of our community outreach program for many years. We donate 15 Chromebooks monthly to MUST Ministries' Hope House throughout the year, helping students' complete schoolwork and parents access critical online resources.  Receiving Thank-You letters from these students affirms our commitment to the Hope House.  Becoming another yearly favorite, from March to May, we raised money to create over 50 care packages for Mothers staying at MUST Ministries' Hope House for Mother's Day. 

Thanking our Outstanding IST Family 

The achievements we have accomplished together are truly remarkable. What I initially aspired to create 26 years ago has returned multifold, and we are a stronger company because of it. It's my honor, and at IST, we embody this mission. Our initiatives to support our communities, not only at our headquarters in Atlanta but nationwide at our hardworking sites, bring us together as a company, highlighting our central passions. 

It's easy to offer a service; exceeding expectations and leading with compassion is far more challenging. I extend my gratitude to everyone involved in our community outreach initiatives, ensuring that the IST ethos goes beyond our services and permeates our culture.